Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence lawyer Kent County, MD

Facing a federal charge for use of a firearm in a crime of violence in Kent County, Maryland, means your case will be prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, with proceedings in Baltimore or Greenbelt. These cases are investigated by federal agencies—such as the FBI, ATF, and DEA—and are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The federal system operates under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and does not provide parole. Early involvement of an attorney who understands both federal procedure and the local federal landscape can make a significant difference. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who concentrates a substantial portion of his practice on federal criminal defense. He, together with the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys, represents clients from Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, and other Kent County communities in federal firearm matters. To request a consultation, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

What Use of a Firearm in Crime of Violence Means in Kent County, Maryland

Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), a person who uses, carries, or possesses a firearm during or in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime faces separate, mandatory federal penalties. The firearm charge is distinct from the underlying offense and carries a mandatory minimum prison term that runs consecutively to any sentence imposed for the predicate crime. Because Kent County does not have a federal courthouse, cases arising in the county are heard at the U.S. District Court in Baltimore or Greenbelt. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these matters, often following a federal grand jury indictment.

Kent County, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and anchored by the historic town of Chestertown, is part of a region that still falls under the same federal enforcement umbrella as larger urban counties. Residents who find themselves the subject of an ATF or FBI investigation need counsel who understands how the federal charging process works from investigation through sentencing. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear regularly before the federal courts in Maryland and are familiar with the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Public Defender panels that handle a significant volume of cases from across the state.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Federal Firearm Offense Cases

Federal firearm prosecutions under § 924(c) often hinge on whether the government can prove the defendant committed a “crime of violence” as defined by federal law and that a firearm was used, carried, or possessed in connection with that crime. The defense approach typically begins with a careful review of the evidence to determine whether the predicate offense qualifies under the controlling legal standards, whether the firearm was actually possessed or carried in relation to that offense, and whether any constitutional violations occurred during the investigation.

Mr. Sris draws on his background as a former prosecutor to anticipate the government’s case and to identify weaknesses in the evidence. He works alongside the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys to review discovery, file pretrial motions, negotiate with federal prosecutors, and, if necessary, prepare for trial. Because federal sentencing is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines—which assign points based on offense characteristics and criminal history—the team pays close attention to factors that may support a downward departure or a reduction for acceptance of responsibility. In some cases, cooperation with the government may lead to a § 5K1.1 motion for a sentence below the mandatory minimum. Throughout the process, the firm stays focused on protecting the client’s rights and pursuing the most favorable outcome possible under the circumstances.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. He has practiced law since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. A former prosecutor, Mr. Sris brings firsthand knowledge of how the government builds criminal cases to every federal firearm matter he handles. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary. The firm’s Of Counsel includes attorneys with years of trial experience and, notably, a former Maryland prosecutor whose background enhances the firm’s ability to evaluate federal charges from the prosecution’s perspective. The team works collaboratively on federal cases, ensuring clients benefit from multiple experienced viewpoints while Mr. Sris maintains overall responsibility for the representation. Based in the Rockville location, the firm serves clients throughout Kent County by appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is use of a firearm in a crime of violence under federal law?

Under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), it is a federal offense to use, carry, or possess a firearm during or in relation to a crime of violence or a drug trafficking crime. The statute provides for mandatory consecutive prison terms that are separate from and in addition to the penalty for the underlying offense. The definition of “crime of violence” has been the subject of extensive litigation, and not every felony that involves force qualifies. The charge is often brought alongside other federal counts and significantly increases sentencing exposure.

How do federal firearm charges differ from state gun charges in Maryland?

Federal firearm charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the U.S. District Court, carry harsher potential penalties, and are subject to federal sentencing guidelines with no possibility of parole. Maryland state gun charges are handled in the Circuit Court or District Court of Maryland, with different penalty ranges and the availability of parole in many cases. Federal officials may adopt a state arrest and charge it federally if the conduct also violates a federal statute. Federal trials use different rules of evidence and procedure, and the resources available to federal prosecutors are considerable.

What are the potential penalties for a § 924(c) conviction in federal court?

A conviction under § 924(c) carries a mandatory minimum consecutive prison term that increases depending on the circumstances, such as brandishing or discharging the firearm. The sentence runs in addition to any time imposed for the underlying crime of violence or drug offense. Federal law does not offer parole, and supervised release follows the term of imprisonment. Because the court has limited discretion to go below the mandatory minimum unless specific statutory exceptions apply, the potential consequences are serious. Detailed penalty analysis depends on the specific facts of each case.

How does an attorney defend against a federal firearm charge?

Defense strategies may include challenging whether the predicate offense qualifies as a “crime of violence,” contesting whether the defendant actually used or possessed a firearm in connection with that crime, and examining whether law enforcement complied with constitutional requirements during the investigation. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys review the grand jury transcript, discovery materials, and the government’s theory of the case to identify the most effective arguments. Pretrial motions may seek to suppress evidence or dismiss counts. In some instances, negotiating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office may result in dismissal of the firearm charge or a plea to a lesser offense with a lower sentencing range.

Do I need a federal criminal defense lawyer for a firearm charge in Kent County?

Yes. Federal firearm charges are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court under a distinct set of rules and sentencing guidelines; an attorney experienced in federal practice is essential. State-court experience does not fully prepare counsel for federal proceedings, which involve different pretrial detention standards, discovery procedures, and sentencing calculations. Because Kent County cases are handled in Baltimore or Greenbelt, local knowledge of the federal court system and the practices of the U.S. Attorney’s Office is important. Early engagement of an attorney can influence whether charges are filed and what conditions of release may be set. For a consultation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

What should I do if I am facing a federal firearm investigation in Kent County?

Contact an attorney immediately and do not discuss the matter with investigators until counsel is present. Preserve any documents, electronic communications, or physical items that may be relevant. Federal agents often conduct interviews or execute search warrants before an indictment is returned. Anything you say can be used against you, and even seemingly innocent statements may later be characterized differently. Requesting the presence of an attorney is your right, and exercising that right early can help protect your position throughout the investigation. To discuss your situation, call Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Learn more about our federal criminal practice in additional Maryland counties:

Federal Criminal Lawyer Montgomery County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Prince George’s County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Howard County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Anne Arundel County |
Federal Criminal Lawyer Frederick County

Authoritative sources:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland |
18 U.S.C. § 924 — Federal Firearm Offenses

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Results may vary. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850. By appointment only. (888) 437-7747.

Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.